Al Gore supports Plan A’s Cradle to Cradle goals

Al Gore hails Marks & Spencer’s Plan A as a global inspiration

Former US vice president Al Gore has paid tribute to the achievements made by Marks & Spencer under its Plan A programme, as the retailer announces the next stage of its sustainability journey will work towards cradle-to-cradle ambition.

Gore, who is one of the world’s most influential climate campaigners, gave a keynote speech earlier today (June 13) at Marks & Spencer’s (M&S) annual Plan A conference in London where over 1,000 of its suppliers gathered to share best practice.

He was unequivocal in his support of the retailer, saying that he admired the company’s work in engaging with its entire supply chain to push the business case for sustainability forward.

“You are proving this important business case and inspiring millions of people around the world,” he told delegates. “A business that is carbon positive, committed to a circular economy, is a leader.”

Earlier, M&S chief executive Marc Bolland announced a new pledge on the back of the company’s Plan A drive – to make 5% of its product range cradle-to-cradle certified over the next five years.

Admitting it would be “very difficult”, Bolland called on delegates to help achieve this target. “We want to do this [but] it’s the approach and mentality of your cradle-to-cradle thinking that we need,” he said.

Last week, M&S reported strong progress against its Plan A 2015 targets, highlighting the fact that 139 of the 180 commitments have already been achieved with a further 31 on track to be reached by the target date.

The original, iconic Plan A commitments – being carbon neutral and sending no waste to landfill – have been maintained and improved as part of a business as usual approach with further reductions in carbon emissions (down by 23%) and waste (down by 28%).

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